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Optometric Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Kaiser Permanente

Optometric Assistant

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Optometric Assistant LOCATION: West Falls Church, Virginia REQNUMBER: 1438266 External hires must pass a background check/drug screen. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will ...

Envision Eye Care

Optometric Medical Assistant

Marion, VA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Optometric Medical Assistant Join our dynamic team at Envision Eye Care in Marion, VA, and experience the excitement of making a difference in patients' lives! As a Full-Time Optometric Medical ...

visionworks

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$15 - $18.54/hr

A Visionworks Clinical Specialist (CS)/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and ...

Envision Eye Care

Optometric Medical Assistant

Marion, VA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

As a Full-Time Optometric Medical Assistant, you'll work onsite in a professional, high-performance environment where your contributions truly matter. You'll interact with patients daily, utilizing ...

visionworks

Optometric Assistant Part Time

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$15 - $18.54/hr

A Visionworks Clinical Specialist (CS)/Optometric Assistant is the very face of our Exam Practice and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient. This person is trained and ...

Envision Eye Care

Optometric Medical Assistant

Marion, VA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

As a Full-Time Optometric Medical Assistant, you'll work onsite in a professional, high-performance environment where your contributions truly matter. You'll interact with patients daily, utilizing ...

Envision Eye Care

Optometric Medical Assistant

Marion, VA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

As a Full-Time Optometric Medical Assistant, you'll work onsite in a professional, high-performance environment where your contributions truly matter. You'll interact with patients daily, utilizing ...

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Optometric Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

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$16

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How much do optometric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for optometric assistant in Virginia is $16.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $18.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optometric assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optometric Assistant, you need knowledge of basic eye care, patient intake procedures, and familiarity with vision insurance, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant certification. Experience with electronic health records (EHR), autorefractors, lensometers, and scheduling software is highly beneficial. Strong customer service, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interact with patients and assist the optometrist efficiently. These abilities ensure smooth clinical operations, accurate patient care, and a positive experience for both patients and staff.

What are some typical challenges faced by optometric assistants during busy clinic days, and how can they be managed?

Optometric Assistants often experience high patient volumes during peak hours, which can lead to time management challenges and the need to prioritize tasks efficiently. Balancing front-desk responsibilities, pre-testing patients, and assisting with eyewear selection requires strong organizational skills and clear communication with both patients and the optometrist. Proactively preparing materials, staying updated on appointment schedules, and collaborating closely with team members can help ensure smooth workflows and maintain quality patient care even during the busiest times.

What is the difference between Optometric Assistant vs Optician?

AspectOptometric AssistantOptician
Required CredentialsUsually no formal certification, on-the-job trainingCertification or licensing often required, such as NCLE or ABO
Work EnvironmentOptometry clinics, eye care officesOptical stores, eyewear retail outlets
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with patient exams, prepare equipment, administrative tasksFabricate, fit, and dispense eyewear, assist with frame selection

Optometric Assistants primarily support optometrists with patient care and administrative duties, while Opticians focus on eyewear fitting and fabrication. Both roles are essential in eye care settings but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

How much do optometric assistants make in the US?

Optometric assistants in the US typically earn an average annual salary of around $30,000 to $40,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and certifications, with some earning higher wages in urban areas or with specialized skills such as using optometric equipment or assisting with patient care.

Is it hard to become an optometric assistant?

Becoming an optometric assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training, with some employers preferring candidates with basic knowledge of eye care or customer service skills. Certification is not usually mandatory but can improve job prospects. The role often involves working in a clinical environment with regular schedules, and additional training may be provided by the employer.

What do you need to become an optometric assistant?

To become an optometric assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some training in eye care procedures. On-the-job training is common, and skills in customer service, basic computer use, and knowledge of eye health are beneficial. Certification is not usually required but can enhance job prospects.
More about Optometric Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Optometric jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Optometric jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Optometric Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Optometric Assistant job openings:

Optometric Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optometric Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,058 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Optometric Assistant

Kaiser Permanente

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Summary:

Performs initial work-up and specialized tests for optometry patients. Assists optometrists with clinical tasks as directed by the optometrist.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Greets patients, enters data into medical records, and escorts patients to examination room.

  • Interviews each patient to obtain information about symptoms and documents information provided by patient in medical record.

  • Uses specialized equipment to test patients vision and condition.

  • Provides test results to provider and brings attention to abnormal results.

  • Assists optometrist to conduct examinations as directed.

  • Assists patients to understand spectacle and contact lens options following diagnosis by optometrist.

  • Cleans and maintains specialized equipment and work areas.

  • Performs other related duties as directed.

Supports all NOVA Centers with Optometry Clinics.

Support Saturday Clinics per business need.

Works late days based on business needs.

Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, (Sat Per Business Need)

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

  • Minimum one (1) year experience doing patient work-ups to include visual acuities, manual and automated lensometry, auto-refraction, non-contact tonometry and knowledge of contact lenses including the teaching of insertion and removal classes or completion of inter-departmental training program emphasizing above skills developed by the Optometry department.

Education

  • High School Diploma OR General Education Development (GED) required.

License, Certification, Registration

  • Certified Ophthalmic Assistant within 6 months of hire from International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology OR Paraoptometric Technician Certificate within 6 months of hire from American Optometric Association OR Paraoptometric Assistant Certificate within 6 months of hire from American Optometric Association OR Paraoptometric Certificate within 6 months of hire from American Optometric Association

Additional Requirements:

  • Successfully demonstrated proficiency on initial skills assessment during the interview process.

  • Proficiency in the use of applicable computer software.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • BLS Certification preferred.

  • Must pass a practical skills evaluation.

  • Must obtain Para-Optometric Certification within 6 months of hire date.

COMPANY: KAISER

TITLE: Optometric Assistant

LOCATION: West Falls Church, Virginia

REQNUMBER: 1438266

External hires must pass a background check/drug screen. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with Federal, state and local laws, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran, or disability status.

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